“Of course you do. Why would you enjoy seeing people dressed up, eating candy, and having a good time one day a year? It’s a ludicrous concept.” He oozed sarcasm and tried to cover his smile by taking a sip of coffee.
“What’s going on with you?” Samuel asked. “You’ve been a miserable asshole ever since you came back to the city. The project is ahead of schedule. I’m coming on board starting Monday. Mom is happier than we’ve ever seen her. Dad is eating a big dose of humble pie. You should be on cloud nine.”
“The crew was late today, again. The coffee has been fucked up ever since I returned home and doesn’t taste the same. My doorman follows me around the lobby, talking incessantly. And I find it off putting when grown adults wear costumes.” I shrugged. “And trust me, Dad has not eaten nearly enough humble pie. He invited me to dinner last night, and he brought a woman. I haven’t seen the man since their anniversary party. We haven’t discussed the divorce, and he brings a date to our dinner. Far from humble, brother.”
“I don’t think this has anything to do with Mom or Dad or your doorman,” Samuel said, and of course Connor nodded in agreement.“Hell, I don’t think you give a shit about some stranger wearing a pirate costume or your construction team being a few minutes late.”
The fucking traitor.
“What are you, a therapist now? I thought you were tired of being a doctor?”
“No. I’m tired of working seven days a week and not spending time with my girlfriend, smart-ass. But yes, I’m also a qualified medical doctor who is happy to tell you that you’re being an asshole.”
“I’m an asshole?”
“No. I said you’rebeingan asshole.” He laughed. “You’re suffering, and you don’t want to admit it.”
“I agree with Dr. St. James,” Connor said.
“Of course you do.”
“Myles, why don’t you just call the girl. See how she’s doing?” Samuel asked.
I hadn’t talked to Montana since I left Blushing. She’d asked me not to reach out, and I’d respected her wishes.
Had I texted Charlie and asked about her? Sure.
Apparently, she was doing great.
She was out there living her best life, and I was fucking miserable, and it pissed me the hell off.
“She asked me not to call her.” I shrugged.
“Well, I ask you daily not to be an asshole, and that’s never stopped you,” my brother said, receiving a boisterous laugh from Connor.
“That’s not what this is about. I’ve got a lot going on.”
“You know what I’ve come to realize since making my decision to leave medicine?” Samuel said.
“Well, your last day was yesterday, so what have you learned in the last twelve hours?” I smirked.
“Life is short, brother. You can choose what you want out of this life. And you’re allowed to change course whenever the fuck you want. So if you aren’t happy with the original plan, do something about it.”
“Those are some wise words,” Connor said, and I rolled my eyes.
“Is this why you wanted to meet this morning? To tell me that I’m an asshole before you start work on Monday?”
“No. I wanted to let you know that I’m going to propose to Brianna. I’m done fucking around, and I’m ready to start living.” He leaned forward, his gaze locking with mine. “You know what, Myles? You like the girl. You like her a lot. And that scares the shit out of you. But avoiding relationships because our parents had a shitty one—well, that doesn’t make any sense. Because at the end of the day, not letting anyone in means you end up alone. Focusing all your energy on work means you end up alone. And that’s just as bad as being in a bad relationship, as far as I’m concerned. I almost lost the woman I love, and I’m not letting her go this time.”
The door opened, and a woman wearing a Tinkerbell costume with her face covered in glitter stepped inside, followed by a man in a Chewbacca costume.
It was like the universe was intentionally fucking with me.
“I’m happy for you, Samuel. But you want a relationship; you always have. You were just neglecting it, and you figured it out. I’ve never wanted that life.”
“So you’ve just been a dick since you got home because you suddenly don’t have the patience for New York City?” Connor asked.
I glared at him. He’d been pissing me off ever since I’d returned. He worked directly with Montana, and every time I inquired about her, he would give me lame, single-word answers.
